Next time you're out and about with the family in South Bay, put the Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier on your list of things to see.

The Roundhouse is a non-profit organization committed to promoting the study of the oceans, beaches and marine life of Southern California and the impact humans have on the environment. A visit is free, along with a suggested donation, and the unique experience is one kids won't get anywhere else.

The aquarium features rotating displays and exhibits, as well as a shark tank, a living reef tank and a tide pool touch tank with species native to Southern California that you actually get to touch, like starfish, sharks, eels and other fish. While the aquarium is small and quaint, it is also more than a diversion for the little ones, it's a great opportunity to learn about the world around them.

Roundhouse also hosts a number of classes, parties, field trips and community events held regularly throughout the year focused on education and learning about the environment, including festivities like a Fun Run, Coastal Cleanup Day and [Manhattan Beach Cleanup and Heal the Bay IPA Tasting http://www.healthebay.org/event/manhattan-beach-cleanup-and-heal-bay-ipa-tasting]. One of the biggest events is the eight weeks of Science Summer Camp, where kids ages 4-10 can dig for sand crabs, build sand sculptures and learn about the ocean and marine animals.

For more information visit the [Roundhouse Marine Studies Lab and Aquarium website http://www.roundhouseaquarium.org/index.html] and check out their [Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roundhouse-Marine-Studies-Lab-and-Aquarium/64031319675].